First of the 5 royal squares in Paris, the Place des Vosges is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.
A place steeped in history
A place steeped in history, which will definitively transform the face of the capital at the start of the 17th century.
To visit the Place des Vosges is above all to take a trip back to the days of the kings of France. As soon as you arrive in the square, you will notice the unity of the composition of the buildings and their uniform height. Only two buildings deviate from this rule: the Pavillon du Roi, south side (which is accessed from rue Saint-Antoine via rue de Birague) and the Pavillon de la Reine, which faces it (entrance on rue du Béarn) . Although this square, called the “royal square” when it was built at the beginning of the 17th century during the reign of Henri IV, was for many years a high place of royalty, the king himself never lived there.
Different pavilions
The 36 pavilions that surround the square were mansions of the upper middle class of the time and senior officials of the Monarchy. Before lounging on the lawns of Square Louis XIII located in the middle of the square, take a complete tour of the place by strolling under the arcades. You will discover a majestic calm there, which, if you are lucky, will be set to music by the many musicians who come to share their passion under the historic vaults. Because although the Place was built at the time for the escapades of the bourgeoisie, it was also one of the first public places dedicated to the walks of Parisians in search of calm and well-being. This is still found today.
Victor Hugo’s house
Remember to visit, during your walk under the arcades, the Hôtel de Sully (minister of Henri IV), located at No. 7, connecting the square to the rue Saint-Antoine, as well as the Maison de Victor Hugo, today hui museum dedicated to the writer, which was his residence before his exile. You can also see on a pillar at n ° 11 in the square, an astonishing inscription carved in stone, today considered to be the oldest “graffiti” in Paris! Finally, end your stay on the Place des Vosges by stopping in the Square Louis XIII, whose statue stands in its center.
